ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Department of Space
Development of Space Technology
Space Science experiments often demand development of new technologies. Some of the new developments made in the last three years are as listed below :
- Development of highly polished optical mirrors - for a solar coronographic mission – Aditya-L1
- Development of large, light-weight collimators with non-cylindrical aperture – for x-ray polarimetric applications – XpoSAT mission
- Development of indigenous silicon sensors and coatings for optical and IR spectroscopic applications – for payloads on Chandrayaan-2 mission
A study committee constituted by ISRO to chart out the long-term program for space science exploration, has prepared a report outlining high priority missions to be taken up. These include followup missions to Mars, a new mission to Venus and a return to Moon with capability to return samples from extra-terrestrial sources.
Bilateral cooperations are often useful to maximise science returns from payloads due to a large dependency of complimentary information from multiple sensors on ground and in space. Hence these are encouraged on a case-by-case basis. There have been cooperative programs with Canadian Space Agency and UK universities on our astronomy satellite, ASTROSAT ; similar cooperation programs have been established in the past on Chandrayaan-1 mission with NASA and the European Space Agency.
Indian Space research Organisation through the programme called RESPOND  is encouraging academia to participate in the R & D activities. Respond programme provides support to research projects in wide range of topics in space technology, space science and applications to universities/ institutions. ISRO has also set up Space Technology Cells at various institutions like Indian Institute of Technologies  - Bombay, Kanpur, Kharagpur & Madras; Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore and with University of Pune  to carry out research activities. Some of the other recent initiatives for capacity building include setting up of Space Technology Incubation Centres  and Regional Academic Centres for Space .
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Urban Mobility India  Conference & Expo 2022 to be held in Kochi from 4th to 6th November, 2022
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep S. Puri and Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will jointly inaugurate the event on 4th November, 2022
Focus of the UMI Conference Cum Expo 2022 will be on theme of “Azadi@75 – Sustainable AatmaNirbhar Urban Mobility”
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will jointly inaugurate 15th Urban Mobility India  Conference & Expo 2022 in Kochi on 4th November, 2022. The event is being organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in collaboration with Govt. of Kerala from 4th to 6th November, 2022 at Hotel Grand Hyatt Kochi, Kerala. Senior officers from Central and State Governments policy makers, Managing Directors of Metro Rail Companies, Chief Executives of transport undertakings, International experts, professionals, academicians and students will participate in this event.
The National Urban Transport Policy , 2006 of the Government of India, inter-alia, lays strong emphasis on building capabilities at the state and city level to address the problems associated with urban transport and lays down the guidelines for developing equitable and sustainable urban transport systems for all sections of the society.
As part of the NUTP enunciations, the Ministry has taken the initiative to organize annual international Conference-cum-Exhibition on Urban Mobility India popularly known as UMI. The primary objective of the conference is to disseminate information to the cities, whose officials attend the conference to help them keep up-to-date with latest and best urban transport practices globally. The conference provides an opportunity to interact with other professionals, technology and service providers, both domestic and international, so that the delegates can carry home ideas to develop their urban transport along a sustainable path. The event brings together national and international experts, technology and service providers, policy makers, practitioners and officials from the urban transport sector under one roof.
This year, the Urban Mobility India  Conference & Expo is to focus on the theme of “Azadi@75 – Sustainable AatmaNirbhar Urban Mobility”. It will emphasize on designing and implementing efficient, high quality and sustainable transport system in the cities. Rapid Advance of information technology and innovations in the sector are enabling more optimal use of transport systems to meet the mobility needs of all. The innovations have led to a wide range of transport options to emerge, thereby widening the choice available to commuters. For example, the Metro Neo and Metro Lite have emerged as lower cost options to Metro Rail and can serve as good options for mid-sized cities. Cities are planning innovative circulator services to serve local areas, thereby obviating the need for personal motor vehicles.
Detailed Day Wise Program of UMI Conference Cum Expo 2022
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Ministry of Women and Child Development
Shri Ajay Tirkey assumes charge as Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development
Shri Ajay Tirkey today assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development  in New Delhi. He is 1987 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre. He succeeds Shri Rabindra Panwar who retired on superannuation yesterday.
Before assuming the charge of Secretary, Shri Ajay Tirkey was holding the post of Special Secretary in the same Ministry. He worked as Joint Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India in the year 2017 before joining as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women & Child Development. He has also been on deputation to the Ministry of Defence as Director and Joint Secretary from 2004 to 2009.
Shri Ajay Tirkey was Principal Secretary to the Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 2015 to 2017 and has extensive experience of handling the portfolios of Medical Education, Labour & Employment and Rural Development in his home cadre appointments. He has been Managing Director of State Cooperative Marketing Federation , Madhya Pradesh.Earlier, he was District Collector of Sidhi, Hoshangabad and Raipur.
In addition, he has worked in various capacities as an officer of Indian Administrative Service in Madhya Pradesh.
Ministry of Defence
THEATRE LEVEL OPERATIONAL READINESS EXERCISE  INDIAN NAVY’S LARGEST WAR GAME
Indian Navy’s major Operational level exercise TROPEX for the year 2023, conducted across the expanse of IOR over a duration of four months from Nov 22 - Mar 23, culminated this week in the Arabian Sea. The overall exercise construct included Coastal Defence exercise Sea Vigil and the Amphibious Exercise AMPHEX. Together, these exercises also witnessed significant participation from the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard.
Set in the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the theatre of operations for the exercise extended approximately 4300 nm from North to South upto 35 deg South Latitude and 5000 nm from Persian Gulf in the West to North Australia coast in the East, spanning an area of over 21 million square nautical miles. TROPEX 23 witnessed participation of approximately 70 Indian Navy ships, six submarines and over 75 aircraft.
The culmination of TROPEX 23 brings to an end an intense operational phase for the Indian Navy that commenced in Nov 2022. As part of the final Joint Phase, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri spent a day at sea onboard the newly commissioned Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant on 06 Mar 23. He reviewed the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness and material readiness wherein the Navy demonstrated operational manoeuvers and various facets of combat operations, including deck operations of indigenous LCA and live weapon firings. While addressing the Fleets, he lauded the Operational preparedness of the Indian Navy and emphasised that the country looks up to the Navy to ensure that the economic lifelines and military capabilities of our adversaries are disrupted to the extent where their warfighting endeavours can no longer be sustained. He also stated that he is fully reassured that Indian Navy is wholly capable of safeguarding India’s national interests in the maritime domain and will thwart the diabolical designs of any potential adversaries who seek to threaten India’s peaceful existence. The Hon’ble RM complimented the Indian Navy for being at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ Initiative and leveraging the path of Aatmanirbharta to be ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof’.
Ministry of Coal
During December 2022 India Achieves 82.87 Million Ton Coal Production
28 Coal Companies Produce More than 100 %
April – December 2022 Coal Production Stands at 607.97 Million Ton
India’s total coal production increased by 10.81% to 82.87 Million Ton  from 74.79 MT during the month of December, 2022 as compared to Dec'21. As per the provisional figures of Coal Ministry, during Dec, 2022, Coal India Ltd  registered a growth of 10.30%, whereas SCCL and Captive mines/ others attained a growth of 19.12% and 9.01% respectively. While 28 coal mines produced more than 100%, four mines’ production level stood between 80 and 100%.
At the same time, coal despatch increased by 5.28% to 78.91 MT from 74.95 MT during Dec'22 as compared to the previous year. During Dec'22, CIL , SCCL and Captive mines/Others registered a growth of 3.57%, 17.89% and 8.85% by despatching 62.72 MT, 6.72 MT and 9.46 MT respectively. Power utilities despatch has increased by 4.26% to 65.65 MT during Dec'22.
As declared earlier, coal production increased impressively by 16.39% to 607.97 MT during Apr-Dec’22 as compared to 522.34 MT produced during the same period of FY 22. CIL reported coal production of 479.05 MT up to December of FY 23 as compared to 413.63 MT during the same period of FY 22, representing an increase of 15.82%.
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA issues SOPs for Maintaining Supply of Essential Goods during 21-day Nationwide Lockdown to fight COVID-19
Union Ministry for Home Affairs  issued Standard Operating Procedure  for maintaining supply of essential goods today, in order to relieve hardships faced by people during 21-day nationwide lockdown to fight the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Union Home Secretary, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla wrote to all States/UTs and asked them to ensure the availability of essential goods to people during the period of the lockdown. For this, the SOPs suggest to let e-commerce remain operational and encourage home delivery of essential goods, while ensuring strict social distancing.
The SOPs prescribe that employees or persons engaged in the supply chain shall be allowed to commute on the basis of e-pass or any other certification issued by the concerned local authorities, on production of a valid photo identity card. In case of unorganized sector, persons engaged in the supply of essential goods may be allowed based on approval/authorization by the local authorities.
The SOPs, inter alia, also prescribe that the facilities engaged in supply of essential goods would carry out regular health and sanitation check-up of employees engaged and provide them proper protective gear.
SOP Document
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Agriculture-Farming and allied activities exempted from Lockdown
Availability of foodgrains to be ensured, harvesting to continue uninterrupted
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Tomar expresses gratitude to PM & Home Minister
Central Govt shares farmers’ concerns, Union Home Ministry issues amendment to Guidelines issued under Disaster Management Act
Government has granted relaxation in the nationwide lockdown for activities related to agriculture-farming and allied activities with a view to address problems being faced by the farming community. This will also ensure uninterrupted harvesting of crops. In this regard the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.
Shri Tomar has been constantly monitoring issues related to the farmers ever since the lockdown was enforced. He was apprised of the difficulties the farmers could face in the harvesting of their crops and transporting foodgrains to the mandis. Keeping in view the demands of farmers and concerned organisations and at the directions of the Prime Minister, the Union Government urgently considered and sympathetically examined the issue, following which a practical solution was arrived at in the interest of farmers and related communities.
The Union Home Ministry has issued second Addendum to the Guidelines related to the nationwide lockdown issued vide its Order No.40-3/2020-DM-I dated 24th & 25th March, 2020 in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 10 of the Disaster Management Act with the Chairperson, National Executive Committee. Under this Addendum, activities related to Agriculture and related products, services and such other activities have been brought under the exception categories from the 21 day lockdown. This will also allow unhindered harvesting of crops. The Agriculture Minister has complimented the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for the exception granted to agriculture and allied activities.
Under the 2nd Addendum issued by the Union Home Ministry the following categories have been exempted from the lockdown:
- Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations;
- ‘Mandis’ operated by the Agriculture Produce Market Committee or as notified by the State Government;
- Farming operations by farmers and farm workers in the field;
- ‘Custom Hiring Centres ’ related to farm machinery;
- Manufacturing and packaging units of fertilisers, pesticides and seed; &
- Intra and Inter-State movement of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture/horticulture implements
This decision has been taken with a view to facilitate unhindered activities related to agriculture and farming so as to ensure essential supplies to the common man and that the farmers and common people do not face any difficulty during the lockdown. Government of India has issued necessary directions to the concerned Ministries/Departments and designated officials of the States and UTs.
Ministry of Finance
As a relief to MSMEs, I-T refunds worth Rs 5,204 Crore issued in last 10 days: CBDT
The Central Board of Direct Taxes  today said that Income tax refunds to nearly 8.2 lakh small businesses  worth Rs 5,204 Crore have been issued since 8th April 2020. These income tax refunds would help MSMEs to carry on their business activities without pay cuts and layoffs in Covid-19 pandemic situations.
The CBDT said that since the Government’s decision vide Press Note dated 8th April 2020, I-T department has till date issued nearly 14 lakh refunds up to Rs 5 lakh each in order to help taxpayers in COVID-19 pandemic situation. Keeping its focus on providing relief to the small businesses in MSME sector, CBDT will further issue refunds of Rs 7,760 Crore earliest possible.
The CBDT reiterated its request that in around 1.74 lakh cases, responses are awaited from taxpayers regarding reconciliation with their outstanding tax demand for which a reminder email has been sent asking them to respond within 7 days so that the refund can be processed earliest.
It may be noted that these responses can be provided online through the taxpayer e-filing account on: www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
Ministry of Mines
Government receives large number of suggestions on proposed mining reforms
There is no proposal to make illegal mining as legal. The Mines ministry has clarified this today. Ministry of Mines had circulated the proposed reforms in the Mines and Minerals   Act, 1957 with different Central Government Ministries /Departments and also to the State Government for comments / suggestions.
Further, in order to give wide publicity to the proposed reforms, as per Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy, the Ministry hosted the notice dated 24.08.2020 along with a note explaining the provisions of proposals on the website of the Ministry of Mines for seeking comments / suggestions from the general public, Mining Industry, Stake Holders, Industry Associations and other persons and entities concerned.
A large number of comments / suggestions on the proposed reforms have been received in the Ministry in response to public consultation notice, which are being examined in detail.
Union Finance Minister had made announcement on 16th May, 2020 under Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme for enhancing private investments in the Mineral Sector and for bringing reforms in mining sector. In order to implement the announcements, Ministry of Mines has proposed the legislative amendments to the Mines and Minerals   Act, 1957 for undertaking structural reforms in mineral sector with the objective to accelerate growth and employment generations and also to stimulate the economic growth considering the dampening impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposals include  Increasing mineral production and employment generation by redefining the norms of exploration for auction of mineral blocks and ensuring seamless transition from exploration to production;  Resolving legacy issues to move towards an auction only regime for allocation of mineral resources;  Removing the distinction between captive and non captive mines;  Developing a transparent National Mineral Index;  Clarify the definition of illegal mining; and others.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
First Ever Virtual Expo 2021 for R&D in Processed Food Sector Inaugurated
Shri Rameswar Teli Launches R&D Portal for Research Projects in Food Processing Sector
Shri Rameswar Teli, MoS, MoFPI today inaugurated the First Virtual Expo 2021 for R&D in processed food sector. Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organizing Virtual Expo 2021 for R&D in processed food sector from 20th to 22nd January 2021 for showcasing the outcomes of R&D Projects supported by the Ministry of premier Food Technology Institutions of India.
Shri Rameswar Teli also launched the R&D portal which will be available to all stakeholders. Research undertaken by institutions across the country will be available on this portal. About 200 research projects are available on the portal. Shri Teli said that this R&D portal launch will help in developing product and process technology, better packaging, value addition in food processing sector. He added that for all major processed food products, processing, packaging, storage and distribution system is required so that domestic and international food regulations and benchmarks are followed.
Smt Pushpa Subrahmanyam, Secretary, FPI said that this expo is being organised under guidance of Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj. She said that MoFPI has been supporting R&D efforts in the sector not only through NIFTEM and IIFPT but also through institutions under ICAR and CSIR systems and agricultural universities.
Shri Hemant Malik, Chairman of Food Processing Committee, FICCI and CEO, Food Division, ITC gave welcome address at the event. Shri Mohit Anand, MD, Kellogg India & South Asia and Co-Chair, Food Processing Committee, FICCI presented vote of thanks.
The Virtual Expo will showcase innovation and R&D in food processing sector by premier Food Technology Institutions of India such as NIFTE, IIFPT, CFTRI, ICAR, IITs. The key focus areas would be showcasing R&D projects consisting of categories like Novel Food Products, Innovations in Food Engineering, Food Safety & Quality Evaluations, Food Packaging Solutions & Food Industry Waste Utilization. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry  is the Event Partner for this Expo.
The Expo is an interactive platform designed to maximize networking efforts through Webinars, B2B meetings, one-to-one chats, informative maternal like-e-brochures, visiting cards or other documents showcased digitally through virtual booth.
Prime Minister's Office
India has gained new strategic strength; Borders more secure than ever: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during Independence Day address from Red Fort
“Armed Forces being modernised; Making them young & battle ready to deal with future challenges our top priority”
“India has gained a new strategic strength in recent years and today our borders are more secure than ever,” said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his address to the nation from the ramparts of historic Red Fort, Delhi on the 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023. He reiterated the Government’s unwavering resolve to ensure national security amid the current global security scenario, asserting that a number of military reforms are being undertaken to modernise the Armed Forces and make them young & battle ready to deal with all future challenges.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that the people of the country feel safe today as there has been a drastic decline in the number of terrorist attacks. When the country is peaceful and secure, new goals of development are achieved, he said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the One Rank One Pension scheme, a long-pending demand of defence pensioners, which was implemented by the Government as soon as it came to power. “OROP was a matter of respect for the soldiers of our country. We implemented it when we came to power. Rs 70,000 crore have reached the ex-servicemen and their families today,” he added.
The Prime Minister extended the Independence Day wishes to the Armed Forces personnel at the borders, who ensure that the country is secured and its interests are safeguarded.
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Ministry of Defence
33RD Naval Higher Command Course commences at Naval War College, Goa
Naval Higher Command Course - 33 was inaugurated online by Shri Suhas Pednekar, Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai, on 17 Aug 20. He lauded the efforts of the Naval War College , Goa, in embracing online format and at improving academic and military education standards. The 37-week flagship professional military education programme of the Indian Navy, conducted annually at the NWC, focusses on maritime strategy, naval and joint operations, and transformational issues. Vice Admiral AK Chawla, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, in his keynote address to the course participants, delivered on video link, emphasised attaining professional excellence through creative learning. Rear Admiral Sanjay J Singh, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, Naval War College, welcomed the course participants and noted the high standards of academic rigour and intellectual capital generated at the NWC, with synthesis of academic and professional military education.
The course strength of 35 participants include 21 Captains from the Indian Navy, seven Colonels from the Indian Army, five Group Captains from the Indian Air Force and two Commandants from the Coast Guard. The course curriculum aims to invigorate intellectual quest through a rigorous regime of research work and critical thinking, for honing problem-solving skills related to maritime and national security issues. To foster jointmanship, the officers also undergo a five week Joint Operations Capsule at the Army War College, Mhow. Eligible course participants are awarded the M. Phil degree in ‘Defence and Strategic Studies’ from the University of Mumbai, on completion of the course.
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